Methods of Work: Finishing: The Best Tips from 25 Years of Fine Woodworking

by Jim Richey

Book Overview

It took 25 years to gather the essential woodworking information in this four-book series. The books were culled from "Methods of Work, " a column in Fine Woodworking where woodworkers share concerns and offer suggestions for better craftsmanship.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1561583715
• ISBN13: 9781561583713
• Release Date: September 2000
• Publisher: Taunton Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

A Good Resource

The author of this book has been the editor of the column, Methods of Work, in "Fine Woodworking", a magazine published by Taunton Press. This book contains hints and tips gleaned from his 25 years in this position. The column is a forum for finishing tips from both pros and amateurs.I formerly lived in Newtown, Connecticut and remember the Taunton Press when it first started. I have delighted in watching their success and their fine products over the years, and this book is no exception.The tips in this book cover many topics including how to choose a finish and which finishes are toxic. Tools of the trade are covered somewhat but I could have used much more information. Coloring wood was extensively explained and I learned a lot about the different types of stains and methods of using them. Many of the hints concerned how to repair damaged furniture and the mistakes made in refinishing.I was glad to see how many of these wood finishers used WATCO oil, a favorite finishing method of mine, passed down from my mother. I appreciated the several hints about how to keep paint out of the lip of the can and for preventing "skin" from forming on the surface of stored paint. I also plan to try a suggested method of getting a "dent" out of a piece of furniture (caused by careless movers) and to try using Vaseline to remove a white water ring.I found it helpful to read the section on using gloss finish and why specks sometimes appear on the furniture surface. The contributor who wrote this tip explained how to thin the finish, clean the brushes and re-clean them when dry, and how to apply the finish.A most helpful book.